Immigration instructions for entertainers, performing artists and associated entertainment personnel: frequently asked questions
You can apply for a work visa under the Specific Purpose or Event immigration instructions if you are an entertainer or performing artist (including a musician, actor, extra, presenter, or an on screen contestant) associated support personnel, film and video production or post-production crew, or a producer or director.
For more information, guides and an application form please see www.immigration.govt.nz/entertainers.
The objective of the Specific Purpose or Event Instructions is to facilitate entry to New Zealand for a specific purpose or event for which the applicant has demonstrated skills, expertise or attributes that are likely to benefit individuals and/or New Zealand and where there is no risk of a negative impact on opportunities for New Zealanders.
Entertainers, performing artists, screen production crew, and associated support personnel, who intend to engage in any form of private or public performance in New Zealand or work on any film or video production in New Zealand, are considered to be undertaking work for a specific purpose or event.
Previously, all entertainment industry-related work visa applications under the Specific Purpose or Event Instructions needed to be referred to the relevant professional association, industry guild or union.
From 30 April 2012 there will be a streamlined process, without any professional association, industry guild or union referral for applicants whose engagement in New Zealand is:
Applications that fall outside these criteria will be subject to the same industry led labour market testing that currently applies.
You must fill in a Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application (INZ 1187) PDF. You must be of good health and character and have an offer of employment/contract or position in New Zealand. Your employer, production company or promoter must fill in the Supplementary Form which is attached to the application form.
Applications should be lodged at your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch or receiving office, including, if applicable, the same evidence that was supplied to the relevant professional association, industry guild or union. For application fees, see our office and fee finder.
